Costa Rica to Welcome Starbucks' Groundbreaking Sustainability Learning and Innovation Hub

Starbucks to launch Sustainability Learning and Innovation Hub

by with No Comment News

Starbucks and Arizona State University collaborate to create a Hands-On and Virtual Learning Lab in Costa Rica, Giving Partners, Students, Researchers, and Business Leaders the tools they need to drive Innovation and Address Global Social and Environmental Challenges.

It is expected to physically open the lab within the next three years.

Seattle, WA — Today, Starbucks unveiled its intentions to establish a state-of-the-art sustainability learning and innovation lab at Hacienda Alsacia. Situated in Costa Rica, Hacienda Alsacia serves as the worldwide hub for Starbucks’ agronomy operations, focusing on groundbreaking research and development in the field. The lab will act as a focal point for in-person and online learning opportunities for Starbucks partners (employees), students, researchers, and business leaders to develop and scale sustainable solutions for some of the most difficult environmental and social problems in the world, such as agricultural economics and climate adaptation.

Select Arizona State University (ASU) students and Starbucks partners will have access to the lab’s initial wave of educational programming beginning this fall. The first wave will make the most of ASU’s top-notch faculty and cutting-edge educational technology to enhance the learning experience for students, and it will also offer study abroad opportunities connected to already-offered ASU degree programmes in sustainability, sustainable food systems, global agribusiness, environmental and resource management, among other things. Within the next three years, Starbucks Lab is anticipated to become physically operational.

The company’s first and only company-owned and operated coffee plantation, Hacienda Alsacia, has concentrated on the sustainability of coffee for more than ten years.  The farm is solely used for research and development, where the Starbucks team is experimenting with disease-resistant coffee plants, breeding new varieties of coffee, and developing and disseminating agricultural techniques in order to increase productivity and safeguard the future of coffee. While the ongoing research and development efforts at Hacienda Alsacia remain uninterrupted, the forthcoming lab will amplify the capacity for collaboration and innovation, extending its focus beyond coffee to foster positive social and environmental transformations.

Laxman Narasimhan (Starbucks chief executive officer) stated: “This is an opportunity for us to advance Starbucks environmental promise to give more than we take and our farmer promise to ensure the future of coffee for all,”

In addition he said: “We know we cannot do this important work alone, and the possibilities in front of us to scale solutions, partner with thought leaders and serve as a global hub for innovation are limitless.”

The mission of Starbucks reaches far beyond its customers, partners, and coffee shops. With a commitment to purchasing 3% of the world’s finest ethically sourced arabica coffee, sourced from over 400,000 farmers in 30+ countries, Starbucks recognizes the inseparable connection between its future and the critical social and environmental issues of our time. The company has a long-standing commitment to work alongside communities to become a resource positive company, including cutting its carbon, water and waste footprints in half by 2030. With the hope of creating a great business that scales for good and has a positive impact on the future, Starbucks is dedicated to finding new methods to give more than it takes in collaboration with others.

There has been a long-standing collaboration between Starbucks and ASU to develop cutting-edge educational programming. In a significant achievement, Starbucks and ASU have successfully graduated over 10,000 partners through the Starbucks College Achievement Program, marking a significant milestone in their partnership.

Michael Crow (President Arizona State University) said: “This is an exciting new chapter in our nearly decade-long partnership with Starbucks,’’

He further added: “The new sustainability learning and innovation lab will expand on our collaboration together, working closely to tackle critical challenges with a collective commitment to seek new and sustainable approaches that impact global communities.”   

Starbucks:

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. The firm is the largest roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world today with over 35,000 locations across the globe. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at stories.starbucks.com or starbucks.com.      

Arizona State University:

In order to create a university that is dedicated to accessibility, excellence, and impact, Arizona State University has designed a new model for the American Research University. ASU measures itself by those it includes, not by those it excludes. As the prototype for a New American University, ASU pursues research that contributes to the public good, and ASU assumes major responsibility for the economic, social and cultural vitality of the communities that surround it. 

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Bamboo Straws Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Plastic

Bamboo Straws: A Fashionable and Planet-Friendly Alternative to Plastic

by with 2 Comments Bamboo

As a green activist, I always look for ways to help people make more eco-friendly choices. One of the best ways to reduce your environmental impact is to use bamboo straws instead of plastic ones. Not only are they biodegradable and compostable, but they are also durable and can last for years with proper care. 

Bamboo straws are ecofriendly since they are formed from a renewable material that grows very fast and requires little water or chemicals to flourish. They are also naturally antimicrobial and may be reused several times before being changed.

In this blog post, I will discuss the benefits, safety, uniqueness, durability, and environmental impact of bamboo drinking straws and why they are a great alternative to plastic straws. I will also address some frequently asked concerns regarding bamboo straws and offer advice on how to use and care for them. Let’s get started!

Why Bamboo Straws Are the Best Eco-Friendly Alternative to Plastic Straws?

  • They are 100% biodegradable and decompose within months of disposal.
  • They do not contain any chemicals, toxins, or contaminants that might affect the food quality in a negative way.
  • Since it can be used for drinking hot beverages like coffee and tea as well, you get to save more by reusing them.
  • They are reusable and long-lasting. You can reuse them over and over again.
  • They are cost-effective. The amount you will spend on a pack of bamboo drinking straws will be a fraction of what you would spend on plastic straws.
  • They are healthy and chemical-free.
  • They are stylish and fun.
  • They are durable.
  • They are portable on-the-go.
  • Bamboo is a highly renewable resource and is able to grow back quickly after being harvested.

Preserving Our Planet: How Bamboo Straws Contribute to an Environmentally Friendly Future

Bamboo straws are highly environmentally friendly. They are:

  • made from a renewable resource
  • require minimal processing
  • biodegradable

By choosing bamboo straws over plastic alternatives, you contribute to reducing plastic pollution and help protect our planet’s ecosystems because plastic straws are one of the most common types of plastic waste found in our oceans and landfills. They take hundreds of years to decompose and can cause serious harm to marine life and other animals that mistake them for food. 

Bamboo Straws: Reuse with Ease

One of the key advantages of bamboo drinking straws is their durability, allowing them to be used multiple times. Unlike plastic straws that end up in landfills or oceans after a single use, these eco-friendly straws can be rinsed and cleaned for future use.

I love using Reusable Bamboo Straws! They are really stylish and unique. I love the natural patterns and textures of each straw. They add a touch of elegance to any drink and are a great conversation starter at parties or events.

I feel good knowing that I am doing my part to reduce waste and protect the planet.

Eco-Friendly and Stylish: The Best Disposable Bamboo Straws for Your Next Party

I prefer using disposable bamboo straws because they are eco-friendly and sustainable. They are made from organic bamboo fibers that are 100% natural and free from harmful chemicals.

Another great thing about single use bamboo straws is that they come in a variety of sizes and shapes. You can find them in different colors and patterns to match your style. They are perfect for parties, picnics, and other events where you want to make a statement while being eco-friendly.

Overall, I highly recommend using Disposable Bamboo Straws as an alternative to plastic straws. They are beneficial for the environment as well as for your health. Give them a try today!

Bamboo Straws: Safe and Sustainable

When it comes to using eco-friendly bamboo straws, I can rest assured knowing that they are a safe choice for us. Unlike plastic straws, these eco-friendly alternatives are free from harmful chemicals like BPA or phthalates that could potentially leach into beverages and causes health risks. Bamboo biodegradable straws are also suitable for use by youngsters since they lack any sharp edges or tiny components that can be harmful if ingested.

It is important to note that while these straws are generally considered safe, individual allergies or sensitivities may vary. If you have any concerns, it is always wise to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice. 

Bamboo straws: What makes it unique

Unique features of bamboo straws lies in their:

  • biodegradability
  • compostability
  • individuality

If you are looking for an eco-friendly option that is both long-lasting and environmentally conscious, bamboo straws are an ideal choice.

What makes each bamboo straw truly special is its individuality in terms of color and diameter. Since they come from different bamboo shoots, every straw possesses a distinct aesthetic appeal, adding a natural and beautiful touch to any beverage.

Using eco-friendly straws helps me to enjoy my drinks while also helping the earth. Their distinct characteristics distinguish them as an outstanding choice for anybody looking for sustainability, durability, and natural elegance in their straw alternatives.

The Surprising Downsides of Bamboo Straws: What You Need to Know

Yes, there are some disadvantages of using these straws. Some of them are:

  1. Bamboo straws have comparatively shorter lifespan than some reusable straws, such as glass or metal.
  2. Sometimes it is more challenging to clean them than their competitors due to  variable diameter.

However, these disadvantages are minor compared to the benefits of using bamboo biodegradable straws.

In conclusion, these reusable straws are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and help protect the environment. They are affordable, reusable, and easy to clean. So why not switch to bamboo biodegradable straws today?

FAQs:

What is the best way to clean bamboo straws?

The best way to clean these straws is to rinse them with warm water immediately after use. You can also use a pipe cleaner or a small brush to clean the inside of the straw. If you want to sanitize them, you can soak them in a vinegar-water solution for a few minutes.

How Long Do Bamboo Straws Last?

The lifespan of these straws varies depending on usage and care. With adequate maintenance, such as regular washing and drying, these environmentally friendly straws may endure for several months. However, they may begin to exhibit indications of wear and tear with time.

Why should we use eco-friendly straws?

Eco-friendly straws help to decrease waste and pollution. They are built from sustainable materials and are safe for aquatic life. We can make a difference and help safeguard our world by using eco-friendly straws.

Are bamboo straws biodegradable?

Bamboo straws are biodegradable and compostable, which means they will not affect the environment if correctly disposed of. 

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How Does Sustainability Impact Media Selection (2)

How Does Sustainability Impact Media Selection?

by with One Comment News

Exploring the Influence of Brands.

The JCDecaux UK study sparks a new discussion on how to use media choice to advance sustainable goals.

Sustainability refers to the practice of meeting our present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It includes making decisions responsibly and equitably while taking into account economic, environmental, and social factors. Sustainability seeks to establish a peaceful coexistence between people and the environment, assuring a brighter future for all. It does this through supporting resource conservation, environmental protection, and social fairness.

In a delightful evening setting, Campaign and JCDecaux UK orchestrated a gathering of esteemed senior marketers, agencies, out-of-home specialists, and media owners. The event, which was held amidst London’s picturesque Petersham Nurseries, offered the chance to learn more about the results of ground-breaking research done by JCDecaux UK. The study dives into the viewpoints of 200 marketers to illuminate their sustainability philosophies.

Exciting revelations are on the horizon as the full results of the expert report, to be published in Campaign at the end of June, are eagerly anticipated. The vibrant conversation around the table during this gathering reflects the remarkable level of engagement advertisers have when it comes to sustainability. Their thirst for knowledge and information in this ever-evolving realm is palpable.

The discussion gave an intriguing glimpse into the mindset surrounding sustainability and the sense of obligation that businesses have in this rapidly evolving field. Incorporating free Wi-Fi and air quality gauges into settings, as well as distributing 200 defibrillators across the UK, according to Chris Dooley, head of social impact at JCDecaux, the outdoor media owner’s commitment to “giving back” is ingrained in its DNA.

He also said “We give back to the community in ways that people do not realize, including 50p in every £1 that we share with our landlord partners,”

He is correct: brands at the dinner discussion were curious to learn more and had limited knowledge about this. Including agencies. Dan Plant, chief strategy officer of Starcom, said, “50p in the £1 is what’s got me the most excited today,”

The group came to the conclusion that while there has been more discussion about sustainability recently and the topic has transitioned from being a niche to a mainstream problem, not everyone is at the same stage of their journey. The lack of knowledge and measurement was perceived as a significant hurdle to driving change in sustainability practices. However, the use of calculators was viewed as a limited solution, as they aimed to condense the multifaceted aspects of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) sustainability into a single carbonization number. This approach was deemed unrealistic and oversimplified.

Without giving away too much before to the report’s release, it poses the question, “Should sustainability influence media choice?” Here is a sample of what was spoken about.

An overview of the conversation:

-For measurability

In summary, when it comes to claims about sustainability, there is both a clear passion among marketers for the environment and impressive progress made, but also a level of confusion. So, in essence, the question is: Whom or what should we trust regarding sustainability claims?

Georgina Bramall (marketing strategy director at Giff Gaf) said that “It’s hard to measure and bring tangibility back to the business. A more solid measurement framework is needed,”

Dan Plant, chief strategy officer at Starcom, concurred, “The econometrics aren’t up to it.” One marketer bemoaned, “There’s too much information; we don’t know what’s true or real.”

According to EON’s Somerville, the problem transcends the moral imperative in the end. To ensure that their marketing is successful, marketers need data, so it’s critical for the sector to cooperate. “It’ll be a slow march but we’ll get there – when consumer awareness and action forces us.”

–Not a Number

Some people believed that the obsession with carbon calculators missed the point because ESG cannot be reduced to a single figure, said to Sophie Pemberton, global chief strategy officer of OOH specialist Talon.

“Bringing it back to carbon calculators and one number doesn’t do it any justice, but clients do want those numbers to compare – it’s insane.”

With the current rather crude tools at hand, it can be difficult to make a judgement on matters like diversity or social inclusiveness because the discussion is growing more nuanced.

In addition – “I never knew any of this information existed,” a marketer acknowledged. “Calculators are contradictory and there’s too much information around. I would have expected our top [media] partner to have told us about it.”

-Change is needed

Despite the urgent clamour for fast change, there are doubts about how quickly the industry can undergo real, significant change. Even though it is not frequently acknowledged, media plays a crucial role in the supply chain and will eventually be required by law to fulfil net zero goals. It is critical to recognize this. Therefore, it is not a choice to become complacent.

But according to Ollie Joyce, the global chief transformation officer at Mindshare, it will take two to three years before budgets start to change noticeably. To give the shift enough time, brands could proactively enquire about sustainability issues in the interim. Somerville insisted that the moment to start making changes is right now.

-Cultural Evolution

Sustainability must be thoroughly ingrained inside an organization, just like any big transition, with active participation from all parties. “Sustainability doesn’t sit within marketing, it’s normally someone reporting to the CEO,” Acknowledged Jawad Safdar, growth marketing director, international at Wex Inc. “Most marketers aren’t educated in any of this.”

Bramall added- “It’s not a department but part of the business culture,” The B Corp designation has made sustainability everyone’s responsibility at Giffgaff.

There are still concerns about who is accountable for ESG, but a broader acceptance of the topic and its integration into corporate culture as opposed to silos can only be beneficial.

Key Takeaways:


“The key messages have landed but we need to think what else we need to do to ensure that we share knowledge with each other in a clear and easy way” – Nicole Lonsdale, chief client officer, Kinetic.
 

“It’s always going to come down to effectiveness so if there’s a way of feeding the importance of sustainability and ESG into the econometrics then it can start to affect high level decision making”
– Pia Kingan, media strategy director, Sky.  

“Until ESG matters to the majority of our audience or is regulated, brands won’t really make decisions based on it” – Jawad Safdar, growth marketing director, international, WEX Inc.  

“Carbon and environmental impact are really tough to figure out. Think about media and its impact on the world around more broadly and how OOH contributes to the ecosystem. There are media that do and media that don’t and as an industry we should be focusing on the media that puts value back in rather than extracts it” – Dan Plant, chief strategy officer, Starcom.  

“People would not have had these conversations a few years ago, but we need to do more to make brands informed about what we do around sustainability. I hope we reach a tipping point where calculators do what we need them to do” – Chris Dooley, head of social impact, JCDecaux.  
 
“There is a clear passion about this space which inspires you to be louder and push the key decision makers more and be more vocal to get action off the ground” – James Thompson, executive director, Manning Gottlieb OMD.  

“There’s a lot of comfort that this is becoming a common conversation now and not a couple of us in a cupboard. But we need to watch that it doesn’t just become a conversation among ourselves and that it includes the customers” – Scott Somerville, chief marketing officer, EON.  

“It will take transparency and standardization of information to allow us to justify change”
– Ollie Joyce, global chief transformation officer, Mindshare.  

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